Join the Conversation

Walker: Police militarization isn't a state issue

Gov. Scott Walker said the increasing militarization of local police agencies is an issue for federal and local governments to debate, not the state. His comments were made following a campaign stop in De Pere on Monday, Aug. 25, 2014.
Adam Rodewald

Gov. Scott Walker said the increasing militarization of police agencies in Wisconsin is an issue for the federal and local governments to discuss — not the state.

"We don't play a direct role in that (debate)," he said while speaking with reporters after a campaign stop Monday in De Pere.

The Republican governor's comments come amid national discussion about whether local police should be outfitted with military-grade weapons and armor.

Police agencies in Wisconsin have acquired more than $28 million of surplus military gear from a Pentagon program, known as 1033, during the past decade. Items include mine-resistant trucks, night-vision goggles, assault rifles, grenade launchers and a helicopter, according to records obtained by Gannett Wisconsin Media from the state Department of Military Affairs.

Criticism of the program followed a forceful police response to protests in Ferguson, Mo., where an officer shot and killed 18-year-old Michael Brown on Aug. 9.

President Barack Obama has since called for a sharp separation between the armed forces and police departments. He also said it may be time for a review of the transfers that have ballooned to a reported $5 billion since 1997.

Walker's gubernatorial opponent, Democrat Mary Burke, did not directly state her position on police acquiring military gear.

If elected governor, Burke would work with law enforcement to "ensure they have the tools they need" while also "protecting against wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars," Burke's spokesman Joe Zepecki, said in a statement.

"It's also critical that law enforcement have the ongoing training they need to avoid situations like the one we're seeing in Ferguson," Zepecki said.

Walker said he doesn't believe Wisconsin would experience the type of unrest seen in Ferguson because of a recent law requiring deaths that occur in police custody to be investigated by outside organizations.

Walker signed the first-of-it's kind bill into law in April.

"If other states had that (law), I think you wouldn't see the types of concerns we see elsewhere across the country. We're unique in that regard," he said.

Walker's campaign stop at Fox River Fiber Co. in De Pere is his second visit to the city in seven days.

Walker told the gathering of about 70 workers and their family members that voters in the broader Green Bay area are critical to his re-election bid.

"This area is important to our state's economy. Its also important to me personally — politically —because I won this area in my past two elections. My hope is I'll have the honor of earning your vote again," he said, adding that he has scheduled three campaign stops this week in Northeastern Wisconsin.

Burke has also visited the region multiple times. Zepecki did not say whether Burke has plans to return.

Walker and Burke remain in a dead heat race for the governor's seat. The latest Marquette Law School poll released in July showed Walker receiving the support of 46 percent of registered voters and Burke receiving 45 percent.

The poll of 804 registered voters has a margin of error is 3.5 percentage points.

New poll results are due to be released Wednesday.

—arodewal@pressgazettemedia.com and find him on Twitter @AdamGRodewald.